Description of the Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables Summer Food Pilot Project

 Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables (JSY) works to ensure New Yorkers eligible for assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamp Program) eat nutritious foods, make the most of their food budgets and prepare foods in a safe manner.   Food pantries and soup kitchens have traditionally been the setting for JSY nutrition education workshops and food demonstrations.   On October 1, 2007, USDA gave approval to JSY to provide nutrition education at Summer Food Service Program (SPSP) sites.   JSY nutrition education at SFSP sites was pilot tested in the summer of 2008.

 Highlights of the project

• Worked with New York State Department of Education to select SFSP sites where impact of nutrition education would be greatest - two parks in Buffalo Selected for pilot test
• Pilot project involved 3 steps:  needs assessment focus groups, evaluation and implementation of 2 USDA SNAP-Ed lesson plans (Loving Your Family, Feeding Their Future) and an impact assessment focus group
• JSY publicized its activities using a mobile fruit and vegetable demonstration van at opening events as SFSP sites
• Target audience parents / caregivers of children receiving food through SPSP; captive audience waiting for children to eat and play, willing to participate, enthusiastically involved and appreciate the nutrition education services provided
• Improvements in intentions to consume fruits and vegetables and several moms made positive behavior changes
• Many participants mentioned they enjoyed having a chance to talk to one another and enjoyed learning in group discussions
• Using the results of this project, JSY will implement evidence-based lessons statewide summer 2009

Focus Group Comments:

"I really liked how we were able to talk to each other during the class.  We never get the chance to do this."

"This is a good program.  I like going and want to come back next year."

"My sone east beans now.  He never liked beans before.  Now I make him the wraps.